I would like to have a natter about bits and why many people seem to think in terms of sharper bits and gadgets when their horse does not perform as they wish. We English seem to be obsessed with head carriage and look for the quick fix. I recently saw a video of an American trainer who to my amazement and contempt put a martingale on his horse pulled it in so the horses head was just behind the vertical and spread his arms out in a gesture that suggested his brilliance and said.. Collection in a few minutes WOW, he truly must be a genius??? can you detect the sarcasm? not my strong suit , sarcasm but when i see things like that i just have to let go. Collection is NOT about pulling a horses head in by gadgets, After all, horses can collect themselves while at liberty quite easily. A bit, ANY bit if used with hard and unforgiving hands will teach the horse to push through the contact and become heavy. You must be soft with your hands and you must teach the horse to give to the bit, only then can you achieve softness and with softness collection will follow almost without you trying. Anyone who does not know how to teach their horse to give to the bit, write me a post and i will explain and help all i can.. be gentle, be patient and be safe.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 12:16:11 +0000